BudgIT, a leading civic-tech organization promoting transparency, accountability, and effective service delivery in Nigeria, has expressed disappointment over dubious items listed in the Public Procurement Awards as reported by state governments in Nigerian for 2023 2nd and 3rd quarters.
A statement from BudgIT referenced Funsho Doherty’s open letter to the Lagos State Government on November 18, 2023 as a vivid illustration of fraudulent procurement prectice.
In the letter, Funsho Doherty, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party, notified the public about obscure projects awarded to contractors by the Lagos State Government in the second quarter of the year.
According to BudgIT, the letter emphasized extravagant expenditures such as the allocation of N7.4million to replace liquid fragrance in the governor’s office, N2.05billion to replace rechargeable lamps and fans in the deputy governor’s office, and N535.5million for a church renovation.
“These expenditures are disturbing, given the state’s current debt stock of N996,440,044,235.35.
“We also noticed Delta State pulled down its procurement website before it could be scrutinized and later restored it after public outcry from concerned citizens.
“BudgIT, as a fervent advocate for transparency, uses this opportunity to advise and call on all well-meaning Nigerians to pay attention to their state’s financial appropriation, budget implementation reports, and procurement details.
“BudgIT believes if all citizens take ownership by calling their subnational governments to order through advocacies and demand accountability on their financial status, many state governments will sit up.” The statement read.
While Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a vital role in holding the government accountable, BudgIT underscores that accountability fundamentally depends on citizens’ active participation.
BudgIT provides a user-friendly platform where citizens can access data and information on approved budgets, citizens’ budgets, and other budgetary information at openstates.ng.
“To promote good governance and accountability, BudgIT urges citizens to become vocal and actively engage in causes that yield concrete accountability and transparency results, and foster a collective effort toward better governance.” Said Iyanuoluwa Bolarinwa, Ag Head, Open Government and Institutional Partnerships.
BudgIT restated its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance and anticipate increased citizen activism for a brighter democratic future.
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